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The global cost of living calculators have been created to compare the cost of living in every country and major city in the world, to help you manage short and long term assignments (page down for a description of each cost of living calculator):

International Cost of Living Help

Jamaica is an island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba. The climate is tropical, hot and humid but temperate in the interior.

The official language is English. This is the dominant and business language of the country Most Jamaicans understand English, but speak patois – a dialect derived from English and African languages. The main religion is Christianity.

The economy of Jamaica is a mixed economy with both state enterprises and private sector businesses. Major sectors of the Jamaican economy include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, and financial and insurance services. Tourism and mining are the leading earners of foreign exchange.

In Jamaica, North American business culture is prevalent. Jamaican men usually shake hands with other men, but will usually wait for women to initiate handshaking. Jamaican women do not usually shake hands with other women. Expatriate business dress is mostly formal and conservative. Lightweight suits for both men and women are acceptable.

The security risk for expatriates in Jamaica is medium, but high in West Kingston and Spanish Town. Risks include violent crime, murder, rape, robbery and gang violence.

The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD).

Medical facilities vary throughout Jamaica and may not meet international standards. Medical treatment can be expensive often requiring immediate payment. Cases of Zika virus and Chikungunya virus have been reported. Dengue fever is common.

The population of Jamaica is 2.9 Million (2018 est.), while the inflation rate (CPI) is 2.4% for Jamaica as at December 2018.

Xpatulator Hypothetical Tax for Jamaica is based on the current personal income tax rates which are progressive up to 30%.

Cost Of Living

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Jamaica as at 1 January 2019 is very high in comparison to other places in the world.

In Jamaica, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports):1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: Very High2) Clothing: Average3) Communication: Low4) Education: Average5) Furniture & Appliances: Very High6) Groceries: Very High7) Healthcare: Average8) Household Accommodation: Very High9) Miscellaneous: High10) Personal Care: High11) Recreation & Culture: High12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: Very High13) Transport: Low

Jamaica is for example 44.5% more expensive than USA for groceries, 17.3% more expensive for household costs than UK, and 86.8% more expensive for transport costs than India.

Jamaica is ranked as a some hardship location.

The hardship premium for Jamaica for an expat from Australia, is for example 10%, i.e. host location (Jamaica) premium of 20% minus home (Australia) location premium of 10%.

Want to know more about cost of living, hardship (quality of living) or expat salary in Jamaica? Register subscribe to your home location and Jamaica and run your personalised reports.